EP0795661B1 - Assembly of glass panels for reservoir, swimming-pool, aquarium - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure, such as a tank, swimming pool or aquarium, is made from glass panels, (1) held together by a frame (12) with seals. The panels are equipped with mechanical fastenings (5,8) which are fitted to them in the workshop and make for easier assembly on site. The glass panels are laminated, having an inner layer (4) of a material such as PVB, and their fastenings, are in the form of frame members (5) with bolts (10) or threaded holes, joined to the panels by a silicone-type seal (6,7) applied in mastic form and setting after assembly. The frame members can have an L-shaped cross-section so that they cover and protect the edges of the glass.

Description

The present invention relates to the mounting of glass elements or in general of transparent materials in the form of plates to form assemblies integral with a structure, volumes, in particular capable of withstanding pressures, be waterproof such as tanks, aquariums, swimming pools, ...

Subsequently and in the claims, we will only use the word glass; he will mean glass, glass materials, glazing made up of several glass plates combined with an intermediate plastic material such as PVB, composite glazing combining glass plates and "plastic" plates, and generally synthetic materials, PVC, polycarbonates, ..., preferably transparent materials for certain applications of the aquarium type, but not necessarily.

Document DE-A-29 03 103 describes an aquarium, terrarium, or the like, with at minus a laminated glass wall. The side walls and the bottom of the aquarium are joined together by gluing.

It is classic to make aquariums and in general sets, tanks, swimming pools, ..., in glass, to assemble the different plates which constitute the walls, and to connect them to a framing structure which ensures solidity despite the pressure water, using sealants.

The structure is built on the site of the aquarium, swimming pool, tank, ..., the glass walls are provided, and the assembly, the installation of the putty, its drying, its polymerization, and in general its hardening take place in situ. It's a difficulty, especially with regard to putty, to work in atmospheres which are not necessarily the best suited, to have to work with materials existing on site and also to immobilize and clutter the site during assembly operations and especially to make the aquarium, the tank, the swimming pool, ..., unusable during the entire drying time of the sealant, which may be several weeks. If the working conditions have not been ideal, he may result from faults, in particular leaks when it comes to aquariums, tank, swimming pool, ..., which will prove to be in use and which will require emptying, repair, and therefore stop for all the time necessary.

The present invention aims to eliminate the defects and drawbacks mentioned above. It therefore proposes a structure which authorizes preparation and factory pre-assembly of the proposed aquarium, tank, swimming pool, or other set in controlled and controlled conditions and atmospheres, with the materials and the most suitable materials, thus enabling good performance to be obtained, especially when putty is used, good adhesion, and good drying, also allowing to clutter and immobilize the site of installation of the tank, aquarium or pool for a short time to perform only assembly operations mechanical, without or practically without installation and drying putty, these possible putty operations being carried out beforehand in the factory during pre-assembly.

Thanks to this structure made of elements pre-assembled in factories, requiring no that simple and rapid interventions on the site of implantation of said structure, it is possible to foresee and store in anticipation of damage, prefabricated elements which will be able to quickly replace the defective elements. This is particularly interesting for large aquariums on tourist sites. With the structures conventional damage may require the site to be closed for several weeks, essentially required for drying the putty, which in tourist times represents a significant shortfall.

Document DE-A-29 31 918 describes a process for manufacturing a basin composed of plastic elements in which the basin is previously assembled in whole then detailed in transportable elements which are then reassembled on site of implantation of the basin. This assembly is done using fixed mounting flanges on the panels, the flanges of two adjacent panels being assembled together by screws to secure said panels.

Document FR 2 086 992 describes a method of constructing a swimming pool or similar in which a plurality of prefabricated panels are used, each of panels with a stiffening frame. Construction of the swimming pool is done by assembling at least two panels either by juxtaposing them edge to edge, either by superimposing them at right angles, the joining between two panels being carried out by a screwing system which runs right through an area of the frame in taking care to compress a joint positioned between two panels.

The document EP 0 525 690 describes a set of components intended for the construction of a glass structure comprising at least one laminated glass pane composed of two individual panels, an organic bonding layer between each said panels and retaining supports inserted in the bonding layer between the individual panels.

The invention provides an assembly of the reservoir, swimming pool, aquarium type, comprising a plurality of glass walls and a structure framing said walls, in particular to solidify the assembly, and seals, in which the glass walls are equipped with mechanical means by which they are secured to the structure, the seals being arranged between the walls themselves and / or the mechanical means of integral with the structure and said structure, which is characterized in that the walls glass are laminated glass with interlayer of the PVB type and in that the means attachment mechanics comprise a frame mounted on the glass walls and equipped with fastening means of the clamping screw or tapped hole type capable of receiving a threaded stud, said chassis being an L-shaped section member of dimensions such that it allows a silicone-like pasty sealant joint between it and the glass, which protects the plastic insert for chemical attack, especially with seawater which could fill said set.

In another embodiment, the mechanical means are parts of blocking integral with the structure and acting on an overhang of one of the glass sheets of the glass wall.

figure 1 une paroi en verre associée à une structure et apte à constituer une partie d'un ensemble du type aquarium, réservoir, selon une première variante de l'invention,

figure 2 l'association de deux plaques en prolongement l'une de l'autre pour constituer une paroi d'un exemple du type aquarium, selon la première variante de l'invention;

figure 3 l'association de deux plaques pour former deux parois en angle d'un ensemble du type aquarium selon la première variante,

figure 4 une paroi en verre de l'ensemble du type aquarium, selon un second mode de réalisation,

figure 5 une paroi en verre d'un ensemble du type aquarium selon un troisième mode de réalisation.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended figures which represent:

FIG. 1 a glass wall associated with a structure and capable of constituting a part of an assembly of the aquarium, reservoir type, according to a first variant of the invention,

Figure 2 the association of two plates in extension of one another to form a wall of an example of the aquarium type, according to the first variant of the invention;

FIG. 3 the association of two plates to form two angled walls of an assembly of the aquarium type according to the first variant,

FIG. 4 a glass wall of the whole aquarium type, according to a second embodiment,

Figure 5 a glass wall of an aquarium type assembly according to a third embodiment.

Figure 1 shows part of an aquarium type set mounted according to a first variant of the invention.

In this figure, the letter I designates the interior of the aquarium, the letter E designates the exterior.

This part of the aquarium has a glass wall 1, in particular in laminated glass made up of a plurality of plates of glass, in particular two plates 2 and 3 assembled using a material plastic interlayer 4 of the PVB type. This wall 1 is assembled in the factory with a chassis 5 for example a metallic frame, or made of material composite, the elements of which have an L-shaped profile, thanks to at least two cords 6 and 7 of sticky seal deposited pasty and able to dry, polymerize and / or generally harden, thus associating the wall 1 and the frame 5 of tightly, both on the edge and on one face of the wall 1. These seals 6 and 7 are for example made of silicone. Advantageously, in particular to promote uniform hardening of seals 6 and 7 throughout thickness, said joints are of relatively small thickness or depth, and they are associated with other sealing and wedging elements: a prefabricated seal 8, mounted dry under the wall 1, able to withstand the weight of the aquarium and its content, for example made of silicone elastomer and a gasket 9, also prefabricated in the shape of a "fir" introduced on the side of wall 1.

The size of the frame 5 and the position of the sticky seals 6 and 7 is such that the interlayer 4 of the laminate forming the wall 1 is protected from contact with the contents of the aquarium, in some cases sea water, which could be chemically aggressive towards said interlayer 4.

The portions of the frame 5 parallel to the faces of the wall 1 are equipped with means for attaching it to a structure. These means can be screws, threaded studs such as 10, integral with chassis 5 or equivalent means.

Chassis 5 and fasteners such as 10 are the means mechanical to secure the walls such as 1 with the structure.

This sub-assembly thus formed is manufactured in the factory, with the appropriate material, choosing compatible materials in particular for a good bonding stable over time, in the most atmospheres favorable, in particular hygrometry, temperature to favor sticking, drying the sticky joints 6 and 7.

This sub-assembly can also be fitted at the factory with the seal which realize the real watertightness of the aquarium: a seal (11), or variant, it may be a separate seal strip (11), placed at the time of implementation of this subset.

The glass wall of this sub-assembly thus framed by the frame 5 is protected from impact and can easily and without risk of deterioration be handled and transported to the construction site of the aquarium.

To build the aquarium on site, sub-assemblies such as described above must be combined and mounted in a structure against which they rely on and which gives them the necessary solidity and including the ability to withstand the pressure of the water inside the aquarium.

This structure referenced 12 forms a framework allowing the vision of the interior of the aquarium through the walls 1.

The sub-assemblies consisting of walls 1, associated with their chassis 5, are placed inside the structure 12 with the gasket 11 inserted in it and the two are joined together by the attachment means such as 10.

The tightening is such that the seals 11 are put in compression, which seals. A cap 13 is arranged at the junction between chassis 5 and structure. This hat prevents the entry of waste, objects, animals various in the space separating chassis 5 and structure 12, but it does not realize waterproofing.

Figure 2 illustrates the assembly of two glass plates 1 according to this first variant of the invention for making a wall in two parts, for example of great length or height.

We find the same elements as in Figure 1, with the same references.

Figure 3 illustrates the assembly of two glass plates 1 according to this first variant of the invention for producing an aquarium angle. The shown part of the structure 12 forms an angle.

An additional part 14 is arranged inside of the aquarium to provide surface continuity without roughness.

FIG. 4 illustrates another variant of the invention, still according to the same principle consisting of pre-assembling sub-assemblies in the factory, then able to be quickly mounted in a structure without the use of pasty joints difficult to apply and long to harden.

In this second variant, we find the interior I and the exterior E of the aquarium, the wall 1 formed of for example two sheets of glass 2 and 3, associated with interlayer 4 of the PVB type. In this second variant, the two glass sheets 2 and 3 are offset, at least at certain places of their periphery and it is on (or) overhang (s) 13 of sheet 3, the outermost one, which comes (or come) to support one (or more) blocking piece (s) 16, for example of metal or composite material. This (or these) part (s) is (are) provided with attachment means 17 to the structure 12, such as screws, threaded rods, nuts, etc. These blocking parts 16 press on the overhangs 15 of the walls 1 and connect them to the structure 12, dry seals 11, identical to those already noted in the first variant, active when compressed by the weight of the aquarium and its contents and / or by tightening against the structure 12 with the fasteners 17 of the locking pieces 16, being inserted between wall 1 and structure 12.

Preferably, seals 18 are also provided between the undersides locking pieces 16 and overhangs 15.

Advantageously to avoid chemical attacks from tab 4 by the content of the aquarium, in particular sea water, the edge of the glass sheet 2 is bevelled or chamfered 19, which allows to inject chemically neutral sealant 20 therein material of tab 4.

Here again, in this second variant, a preparation of the sub-assemblies is carried out in the factory, reducing on-site assembly to simple and fast operations.

In the third variant illustrated in FIG. 5, the walls 1 are in laminated glass and the outer sheet is arranged to be directly secured to the structure 12.

These arrangements are, for example, countersunk holes 21 through, the widest part of which will be arranged in contact with the interlayer 4, and which are drilled on the sheet 3 before it is laminated with the other sheet 2. These holes 21 can receive screws 22 which will come fix in structure 12 with always interposition of dry seal 11, or female threaded metal parts 23 capable of receiving a screw or a threaded stud to attach the wall 1 to the structure 12.

These new concepts for building aquariums can also apply to the manufacture of various assemblies: tanks, swimming pools, or even the walls of large buildings.

The glass walls 1 for buildings are pre-assembled on chassis, or chassis elements capable of being combined to form a chassis, and it is these chassis that are connected to the structure.

So the building walls are the same type as the aquarium, for what concerns the assembly concept described previously.

Thanks to this new concept, site operations are short and short, and pre-assembly or preparation operations in the factory can be done in optimal conditions.

Claims (7)

1. Unit of the reservoir, swimming pool or aquarium type, comprising a plurality of glass walls (1) and a structure (12) framing the said walls (1), in particular in order to strengthen the units, and sealing joints, wherein the glass walls (1) are equipped with mechanical means (5 and 8, 16, 17, 23 or 22) by means of which they are connected with the structure (12), the sealing joints (11) being disposed between the walls (1) themselves and/or the mechanical means of connection with the structure (12) and the said structure (12), characterised in that the glass walls (1) are made from laminated glass with an insert (4) of the PVB type and in that the mechanical connection means comprise a frame (5) mounted on the glass walls (1) and equipped with fastening means (1) of the clamping screw type or a threaded hole able to receive a threaded bolt, the said frame (5) being an element with an L-shaped cross-section with dimensions such that it allows a joint (6) made of viscous putty of the silicone type between it and the glass, which protects the plastic insert (4) from chemical attacks in particular with sea water which might fill the said unit.
2. Unit according to Claim 1, characterised in that the sealing joints (11) between walls (1) and/or mechanical means (5) of connection with the structure (12) and the said structure (12) are dry joints (11) effective whilst being compressed.
3. Unit according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the glass walls (1) are offset laminates in which the outermost glass sheet (3) projects with respect to the other or others, at least at certain points on the periphery of the glass (1), the means of mechanical fixing to the structure being one or more locking pieces (16) bearing on the projecting part or parts (15) of the external glass sheet (3), fixed in particular by screwing to the structure (12) and compressing the sealing joint or joints (11) disposed between the wall of the glass (1) and the structure (12).
4. Unit according to Claim 3, characterised in that a supplementary joint (18), in particular a compressible dry joint, is interposed between locking piece or pieces (16) and glass projection or projections (15) on which it or they bear.
5. Unit according to one of Claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the external glass sheet (3) is offset according to one of the following methods:

   at certain points with a plurality of distinct locking pieces (16) bearing on each of these points, over an entire glass strip, with a locking piece (16) having the entire length of the said strip.
6. Unit according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the insert (4) of the laminate is protected from chemical attacks, in particular due to the content of the said unit of the sea water type, by a joint (20) which is chemically neutral vis-à-vis the insert deposited in a chamfer (19).
7. Unit according to Claim 1, characterised in that the external sheets (3) of the laminates constituting the walls (1) are equipped with a milled hole (21) in which there is inserted a screw (22) whose threaded part allows fixing to the structure (12) or a female threaded piece (23) able to receive a screw or bolt for fixing to the structure (12).

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